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Colored Stone Engagement Ring

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greenfather

Rough_Rock
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Hi,

I''m going to be proposing to my girlfriend and I need some advice on where to start - ringwise. I have a budget of around $2,000. I realize I''m limited based on said budget, but I really want to do something personal and unique.

She really likes the pave, white diamond halo style with bezel setting. So it''s no surprise she''s enamored with the Tiffany Legacy ring. Here''s the thing, she DOES NOT want a white diamond as a main stone. This would free up some money for a decent setting (right?). She likes (get ready for this) black diamonds and "dark and earthy" stones.

Can anyone point me in the right direction based on the above considerations.

1) I guess I''m looking for suggestions on where to find a loose gem that might fit the bill. Something like this:

http://wildfishgems.com/dark___black_gemstones

2) Can I buy a setting online and have it set by them. Maybe something like these:

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Diamond-Settings/Isabella-Diamond-Engagement-Ring_1346.htm#

http://www.adiamor.com/R-1089-R2801-1.htm

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/-Engagement-Rings-5/Diamond-Accent-Engagement-Rings-12/Tiffany-Inspired-Legacy-Engagement-Ring-Mill-Grain-Edge--1544.htmlhttp://www.adiamor.com/R-1089-R2801-1.htm

Since I don''t know much about jewelry, would it be better to deal with a local jeweler? I''m in Boston.

Any help would be appreciated.
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ERD does a few legacy copies, the Heather and the Marla I believe, though I have no idea of the pricing. There''s an ebay vendor that''s become popular here for affordable legacy-style settings, Lordofgemrings or LOGR. If you search for LOGR you''ll see those settings here. I think those are usually under $500 even with the diamonds upgraded. As for a very dark/black stone, I don''t really know what to tell you. FrekeChild has a dark grey/blue spinel that Dan Stair cut for her. In general, dark stones aren''t prized and are easy to find, but I''m not sure how you''d pick a good one.

Good luck in your quest!
 
These guys

www.fancydiamonds.net

have a fairly large assortment of black diamonds. Cost between $200-$300/carat, which should leave you a pretty penny for the setting!

In the local vs. online, unless you have problems in shipping stuff via FedEx, I would bet on online (or to be precise on people willing to deal online):

1. Lower overheads translate in lower prices
2. Larger potential customer base spreads those overheads even further.
3. Reputation is much more transparent because it''s widely open to scrutiny e.g. here on PS
4. Generally more flexible (in many respects) than B&M-style operations

Just my proverbial $0.02
 
Word of warning on black diamonds - they tend to be very included with nasty little white specks in them, micro-cracks in the surface and aren''t that durable.

If you want a black stone then go for a very dark sapphire.
 
thanks a lot for your time and suggestions! this is a good starting off point.
 
IMO the most beautiful black stones are black pearls, but they''re quite pricey and not a good idea for a ring that''ll be worn a lot (they''re pretty fragile). My favorite brown stones are brown zircons and brown diamonds. Zircons often have a very rich, warm shade of brown (milk chocolate kind of color) and have a lot of brilliance, but they''re also not among the most durable of stones. That''s not a problem if she doesen''t plan on wearing the ring 24/7, otherwise... Brown diamonds can also come in very nice shades, are very sparkly and not overly expensive (generally several times less expensive than white ones). Andalusite is a nice stone in earthy tones, it shows a mix of golden brown, olive green and root beer red. It''s very durable, quite rare and not too expensive. Those are just a few ideas.

Good luck!
 
Hi, my e-ring is based on Tiffany legacy (with some minor modifications) Link is below
Link is below. At least in Sydney, there were lots of jewelers that were happy to make the ring though you get a better deal if you find the stone in the same place.
Best of luck!
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pink-sapphire-cushion-ering.103710/
 
Forgot to mention black druzy agate - it''s black, sparkly, a bit unusual and quite inexpensive. It''s also not the best everyday stone, but with a bit of care it can last long - it''s certainly more durable than a pearl. They also come in earthy shades (grey, brown...).
 
Thanks a lot for your suggestions. I really appreciate it! I forgot to mention that she also likes light/baby/pastel pinks. (I know, talk about extremes). Would a pink sapphire or a pink spinel fit the bill? Other than price, is there that much difference between spinel and sapphire? I know this question''s probably been asked ad nauseam, but would it be better to buy a stone, then look for a setting? Or could I find a jeweler to do both? (Recommendations?) Many thanks.
 
If she likes pastel colours, why not buy a bright pastel stone for her instead of a black gemstone? A spinel is usually cheaper than sapphire, especially in lavender and other colours other than red and hot pink. I'd first choose the stone them find the setting. By buying a setting first, you are unnecessarily limiting yourself to the shape and size of the gemstone. Some gemstone vendors will set your stone while others do not deal with settings at all.
 
Spinels and sapphires are known to be prized for bright and vivid colors, not pastel ones. That means you''d have to get something that''s considered inferior in quality, to match her taste with these stones. And somehow I''m not sure she would (like any other woman I guess) be happy with her e-ring stone being considered inferior quality.

So I''d consider a stone which is actually prized for having a beautiful, pastel color. And to answer your question of "which one might that be?" - topaz. Pink topaz. It is rare, and you may have to wait a bit for your jeweller to source one, but it''s pastel pink, quite unique and it could be within the budget if not too large.

I honestly can''t think of any other which would be suitable for wear in rings, except maybe padparadscha sapphire and pink diamond, but they''re very costly in fine specimens.
 
get the very best center color stone you can afford.....the difference in quality is very noticeable.

i love that she''s unconventional! black diamond for an e-ring! love it.

however, a really dark sapphire of any color would probably do. how about a star sapphire?

good spinel is going to break your budget! you really do not want dark spinel....extinction just does not do the stone justice.

movie zombie
 
Date: 1/26/2009 1:48:02 PM
Author: ma re
Spinels and sapphires are known to be prized for bright and vivid colors, not pastel ones. That means you''d have to get something that''s considered inferior in quality, to match her taste with these stones. And somehow I''m not sure she would (like any other woman I guess) be happy with her e-ring stone being considered inferior quality.
Click to expand...

I have to say that I find that sweeping generalization about women pretty insulting. There are a lots of women who don''t really care what other people think about their jewelry. I know there are a whole slew of women who would think my ring is tacky because it''s set in yellow gold. I know there would be a few raised eyebrows if they took a peek at the GIA cert and saw it was only "good" cut quality. But you know what, it doesn''t matter. I love my engagement ring not because its individual components are the best (they''re not) or that other people think the individual components are the best (they don''t), but because of what the ring represents to me. In all honesty, if the original poster''s fiancee gets crap about her ring it''s probably going to be because she has a colored stone engagement ring period instead of a "proper diamond" engagement ring; not because she prefers pastel sapphires over vivid sapphires.

"The best color" is really highly subjective. Which ever color you like is the "best color"; the color considered to be the best is the actually "most expensive color." Pastel sapphires and spinels are lovely. I''ve purchased loose stones from Richard Martin (Art Cut Gems) and had him set them.
 
Date: 1/26/2009 3:14:26 PM
Author: Kismet

Date: 1/26/2009 1:48:02 PM
Author: ma re
Spinels and sapphires are known to be prized for bright and vivid colors, not pastel ones. That means you''d have to get something that''s considered inferior in quality, to match her taste with these stones. And somehow I''m not sure she would (like any other woman I guess) be happy with her e-ring stone being considered inferior quality.
Click to expand...

I have to say that I find that sweeping generalization about women pretty insulting. There are a lots of women who don''t really care what other people think about their jewelry. I know there are a whole slew of women who would think my ring is tacky because it''s set in yellow gold. I know there would be a few raised eyebrows if they took a peek at the GIA cert and saw it was only ''good'' cut quality. But you know what, it doesn''t matter. I love my engagement ring not because its individual components are the best (they''re not) or that other people think the individual components are the best (they don''t), but because of what the ring represents to me. In all honesty, if the original poster''s fiancee gets crap about her ring it''s probably going to be because she has a colored stone engagement ring period instead of a ''proper diamond'' engagement ring; not because she prefers pastel sapphires over vivid sapphires.

''The best color'' is really highly subjective. Which ever color you like is the ''best color''; the color considered to be the best is the actually ''most expensive color.'' Pastel sapphires and spinels are lovely. I''ve purchased loose stones from Richard Martin (Art Cut Gems) and had him set them.
Click to expand...
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Totally, totally agree.

Not everyone likes ''the best'' colour of certain stones. My favourite shades of blue sapphire are not those which are considered ideal - yet they speak to me. To be completely honest I''m pretty happy about that as it means I might actually be able to own one.

If his girlfriend likes pastel shades, then I would recommend looking at sapphires - above all because they are durable and easier to find that a lot of others.

I second Richard Martin as a great vendor - I''ve bought from him and will continue to do so. He had quite a few sapphires last time I looked - it''s worth emailing to see what he''s got that isn''t up on the website. He always gives good and honest advice.
 
Most black diamond is irradiated (nuked) to give it even color throughout. Another alternative is black spinel, which is all natural in color.
 
Date: 1/26/2009 3:21:49 PM
Author: Pandora II
Date: 1/26/2009 3:14:26 PM

Author: Kismet


Date: 1/26/2009 1:48:02 PM

Author: ma re

Spinels and sapphires are known to be prized for bright and vivid colors, not pastel ones. That means you''d have to get something that''s considered inferior in quality, to match her taste with these stones. And somehow I''m not sure she would (like any other woman I guess) be happy with her e-ring stone being considered inferior quality.
Click to expand...


I have to say that I find that sweeping generalization about women pretty insulting. There are a lots of women who don''t really care what other people think about their jewelry. I know there are a whole slew of women who would think my ring is tacky because it''s set in yellow gold. I know there would be a few raised eyebrows if they took a peek at the GIA cert and saw it was only ''good'' cut quality. But you know what, it doesn''t matter. I love my engagement ring not because its individual components are the best (they''re not) or that other people think the individual components are the best (they don''t), but because of what the ring represents to me. In all honesty, if the original poster''s fiancee gets crap about her ring it''s probably going to be because she has a colored stone engagement ring period instead of a ''proper diamond'' engagement ring; not because she prefers pastel sapphires over vivid sapphires.


''The best color'' is really highly subjective. Which ever color you like is the ''best color''; the color considered to be the best is the actually ''most expensive color.'' Pastel sapphires and spinels are lovely. I''ve purchased loose stones from Richard Martin (Art Cut Gems) and had him set them.
Click to expand...

36.gif



Totally, totally agree.


Not everyone likes ''the best'' colour of certain stones. My favourite shades of blue sapphire are not those which are considered ideal - yet they speak to me. To be completely honest I''m pretty happy about that as it means I might actually be able to own one.


If his girlfriend likes pastel shades, then I would recommend looking at sapphires - above all because they are durable and easier to find that a lot of others.


I second Richard Martin as a great vendor - I''ve bought from him and will continue to do so. He had quite a few sapphires last time I looked - it''s worth emailing to see what he''s got that isn''t up on the website. He always gives good and honest advice.
Click to expand...

Ditto. If color is important to her (and from the OP, it seems to be), I wouldn''t worry so much about whether the spinel or sapphire is a top-color stone, and worry about whether it''s a color that SHE will like. I''m with Pandora on this - sure it''d be great if what I thought of as the best color for a stone was the ideal color, but often it''s not, and in the end, I''d rather have a stone/e-ring that I love looking at because it''s one of my favorite colors and I love it, rather than just knowing in the back of my mind that it''s a perfect color and I SHOULD like it.
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I was also going to say for the pale pinks, you can look at morganite, but it''s pretty fragile so definitely not suited for everyday wear or for someone who''s rough on their hands/rings.
 
So I managed to start a storm here
20.gif
OK, ladies, I had no insults in mind, I just tend to be very honest at times, even when it's not exactly appropriate. So I apologize.

However (you saw this coming, didn't you), there are stones which became very popular in the last couple of years, mostly thanks to tv shopping criminals, I mean channels. And pink sapphires are among those, so even your Average Joe knows what one should look like - so to speak. And if you would start showing off your e-ring containing a pink sapphire the shade of a rose quartz, I'm pretty sure there'd be more than one eyebrow raised. Not to mention you'd be considered a bit weird for buying a more expensive stone, while you could've got a bigger one with the same color, if you'd choose another gem variety. It's like buying a pastel colored rubelite, or tsavorite the shade of a green sapphire - doesen't make much sense, right? Some would probably question your SO's finances too; "since he can't buy you a proper pink sapphire, not even for an e-ring". All in all, it could lead to a whole lot of explaining.

Now, I'm sure there are women who couldn't care less about the perceived quality of their e-ring stone, but I somehow doubt they're PS regulars
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Date: 1/27/2009 4:07:20 AM
Author: ma re
So I managed to start a storm here
20.gif
OK, ladies, I had no insults in mind, I just tend to be very honest at times, even when it''s not exactly appropriate. So I apologize.

However (you saw this coming, didn''t you), there are stones which became very popular in the last couple of years, mostly thanks to tv shopping criminals, I mean channels. And pink sapphires are among those, so even your Average Joe knows what one should look like - so to speak. And if you would start showing off your e-ring containing a pink sapphire the shade of a rose quartz, I''m pretty sure there''d be more than one eyebrow raised. Not to mention you''d be considered a bit weird for buying a more expensive stone, while you could''ve got a bigger one with the same color, if you''d choose another gem variety. It''s like buying a pastel colored rubelite, or tsavorite the shade of a green sapphire - doesen''t make much sense, right? Some would probably question your SO''s finances too; ''since he can''t buy you a proper pink sapphire, not even for an e-ring''. All in all, it could lead to a whole lot of explaining.

Now, I''m sure there are women who couldn''t care less about the perceived quality of their e-ring stone, but I somehow doubt they''re PS regulars
2.gif
Click to expand...
I still find this a weird concept - maybe it''s because I refuse to watch TV shopping channels...

If a friend turned up with a pink sapphire e-ring, I wouldn''t necessarily think it odd if she had gone for a baby pink over a vivid hot pink. A stone that is well cut enough to perform well is far more important than the actual shade.

I opted for the best tsavorite shade I could afford, but that doesn''t mean that I don''t like the merelani mint garnets - which are basically pale tsavorites. I certainly don''t sit here looking at them thinking ''Blimey, they''ve gone for a real piece of rubbish'' - instead I like the stones for the whole different look that they have.

It appears from the OP''s posts that his future fiancee is pretty sure of her likes and is not exactly mainstream. Yes there are people in this world ignorant enough and rude enough to judge a man based on the size of diamond he buys his SO, but there are ways of dealing.

I''ve had a few rude comments - I tend to blindside them with a lecture on rare garnets and my reasons for choosing one over a diamond. On the whole they slope off worried that THEY might have been ripped off by the diamond industry...
 
I''m with you on this Pandora, but I doubt many people would be as understanding. I mean, according to certain diamond cartel, three wages worth of stone is the only acceptable sign of love
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(I''d place a vomiting smiley here, but there aren''t any available) Not to mention that only top of the line, high-end gems are worth setting in an e-ring, even if it means selling your firstborn
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In the snobbish world we live in, you''d be offered food and shelter if your e-ring wasn''t expensive enough. I also like some stones in "unconventional" shades, but I have a sense that certain things are reserved "for other jewellery only".
 
I think most people don''t know enough about gemstones to tell what the "best" color should be. They just know if they like the stone and if it is pretty.
 
I would choose the gemstone colour she likes best, even if it isn''t what the trade considers the best. After all, coloured gemstones are meant to be enjoyed by the wearer. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; a cliche but true. What''s the use of getting her a hot pink if she prefers a pastel pink? AND, you get to save some $$$ to get her a bigger gemstone/better setting since a pastel pink costs less than a vivid pink. That''s just an example which runs true for most colours. A strongly coloured gemstone runs $$$ more than a light coloured gemstone but there are a lot of people who also like pastels. I see no problems with that. Pandora gives an excellent example with mint garnets. I prefer minty green garnets over tsavorites.
 
Thanks for your input. It''s a big help. To say she''s an unconventional gal would be an understatement. Now you''ve piqued my interests.

How would a black star sapphire cabuchon or pastel quartz in something like this look: http://www.faycullen.com/antique_engagement_rings/800/e705r9rd.html.

(don''t like how rough/unfinished this particular setting is)

Is it possible to get something similar custom made in 18k with a stone within said budget? If so, where?
 
I think a black star sapphire cab would not only be unique but absolutely gorgeous! Fay Cullen has a very strict and unreasonable (to most PSers) return policy so I do not recommend them. Custom settings are usually more expensive and I think this one might cost you around $2K just for the setting. A lot of labor is involved so the price difference in metal will be minimal.
 
thanks, chrono. do you know where i could find a good loose black star cab sapphire? and do you know what one can expect to pay for a good 1ct stone?
 
I read your post last night and couldn''t remember where I saw this link but it came to me! Having a sapphire ER like many of the women here, it is both classic and durable. This price might be dauntingly low, but they have a good return policy. But heck, at that price you could get a calibrated setting for a pendant for her or something.
 
Another vote here for a black star sapphire. That''s the first thing I thought of when I read your description of your girlfriend''s taste. It''s dark and earthy, and it also has that magical star dancing around on its face. Black ones aren''t considered the most desirable, so you can probably get one with a nice even color and a well shaped star without blowing your budget. It will be opaque and domed rather than transparent and faceted, so make sure that''s something she would like.

I think if I were the one looking, I would ask Wink for help. He''s a super nice guy and passionate about colored stones. winkjones.com.
 
Black star sapphire is a great idea. It also opens up the space for many affordable anniversary gifts that''ll match
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And, just in case you haven''t already, you might read THIS; it has a "judging stars and cabochons" section, which you might find useful.
 
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